Singing to a baby is not just a way to strengthen the emotional bond with them; it also yields significant benefits in perceptual, intellectual, and emotional terms. Singing to a baby is an age-old tradition, fortunately upheld by many mothers today. Moreover, this maternal wisdom from generations past is now supported by science, which indicates that lullabies indeed bring multiple advantages for the little ones.
Music, in general, and lullabies, in particular, convey a message that spans multiple dimensions. They communicate ideas but primarily convey sensations, feelings, and an entire culture. Hence, the benefits of singing to a baby are numerous and profound.
The advantages of singing to a baby start to manifest even during gestation. If the mother sings during this stage, the baby learns to recognize her voice. After birth, the baby feels calmer when hearing the mother's voice again, establishing a sense of security.
Attention, One of the Benefits of Singing to a Baby: Attention is a cognitive process crucial for organizing the mind and developing concentration, forming the basis for a well-developed intellect. One of the benefits of singing to a baby is that it contributes to the development of attention. A study conducted at the University of Miami involved 70 babies aged between 6 and 9 months. The babies showed more attention when their mothers sang to them compared to other individuals, recognizing their mothers' voices above all.
Development of Language and Communication: Songs facilitate language development, including learning new words and constructing sentences. Singing helps children become familiar with language and promotes verbal development. Additionally, music itself is a language, so singing to a baby aids in learning both verbal and emotional languages.
Relaxation of the Baby: The voice has a powerful effect on mood throughout life. Singing a song repeatedly becomes a relaxation ritual. The baby hears the mother's voice, feeling her presence, and the rhythm and melody learned through repetition induce a more relaxed mood.
Pain Relief: Surprisingly, singing to a baby is also a way to favor pain relief. A study at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in England monitored babies' responses to their mothers' singing during heart transplants. The results indicated that the babies reduced their heart rate and increased pain threshold when their mothers sang. Experts pointed out that singing influences the limbic system, which, in turn, regulates the response to pain, leading to an analgesic effect.
Aid for Sleep: Lullabies are called lullabies precisely because their primary function is to help the baby sleep. Maternal songs have long been known to help babies fall asleep. Maternal singing reduces cortisol levels in the child's brain, the stress hormone, leading to increased relaxation and easier sleep.
Singing to a baby is also a way to establish and deepen the emotional bond with them. In addition to the benefits for the baby, it brings positive contributions to the mother. When she sings, her mood improves, and she is undoubtedly more relaxed.